Vancouver, Canada - Baggage Handlers, Ramp jobs

[bchenery]

Hi guys,

I am moving over to Vancouver in August from Brisbane, Australia and am hoping to pickup some part time work as a Baggage Handler.

Is there anyone who works for the companies who have the baggage handling contracts on this forum or can point me in the right direction of the companies who have these contracts?

Thanks in advance

[FLCHG]

I am not sure if the paper is on line but there is YVR newspaper (Vancouver Airport News) with adds in the back for the likes of ServiceAir Swissport, SecuriGuard, (ramp security) etc....Do a search on YVR
PM me and will put one in the mail

[340dog]

do you have a canadian passport...ever had a criminal record check...you will have to go through an extensive background check to be able to get a RAIC ( Restricted Access Card)....

[bchenery]

FLCHG - thanks for the offer on posting a copy of the mail over but thats okay. I shall wait till arrive there to scope it out.

340dog - thanks for the advice. No I don't own a Canadian passport. I will be working on a two year working holiday visa. Any idea what the possibility of getting a RAIC will be in those circumstances?

Thanks again for getting back to me.

Cheers
Beau

[bizjets101]

There is no extensive background check, they merely run your name thru CPIC - basically check the police records across Canada/USA for any hits that show a criminal past in North America.

Same check you get if you work at a bank, or any job that requires finger printing!, merely a formality.

A Canadian Passport is not required, As a member of the Commonwealth with your work VISA is all that is required.

You can also check on AvCanada.ca they have a forum where you can monitor the job marked or place your own post.

There are lots and lots of Aussie's working in Vancouver - especially up at Whistler - You'll love BC so enjoy your time and good luck!!!

AVCANADA :::WELCOME::: (http://www.avcanada.ca/)

Aviation.ca - Your Number One Source for Canadian Aviation News, Jobs and Information! (http://www.aviation.ca/index.php)

Canada's New Government Proposes to Boost Airport Security with Biometric Technology - Transport Canada (http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/mediaroom/releases-nat-2006-06-h137e-3344.htm)

http://www.volunteer.ca/files/PRCBrochureEng.pdf

How to Obtain a Certified Criminal Record Check (http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cr-cj/fing-empr2-eng.htm)

[340dog]

are you telling me that to work of on the airside ramps at canadian airports ...that they just run your name through a computer....what about fingerprints, etc...it is quite involved to get a Restricted Area Card or RAIC

[bizjets101]

Here in Toronto - the Center of the Universe - it's a very simple procedure - book an appointment - show up - produce photos, fill out forms, prints, leave.

Wow that was hard.

Greater Toronto Airports Authority - Pass/Permit Control Office (http://www.gtaa.com/en/gtaa_corporate/safety_and_security/passpermit_control_o/)

[bchenery]

Thanks for the links bizjets101!!

[altiplano]

Geeting a RAIC isn't difficult, but it is more involved than bizjet states. I'm guessing he/she may have had a clearance for some time and it is a piece of cake to renew.

However, accounting for time out of country can sometimes be difficult. If you've been exclusively in AUS, I wouldn't forsee a problem, but if you've spent other time abroad it can cause significant delays in processing your clearance - I wouldn't worry about it though. Get the job and take it from there.

[aintsaying]

bchenery,
To get a Red airside Pass in YVR airport, you will need to fill out the application form that will ask for up to the last ten years of residential history.
If you have an airside pass here in Australia, keep a photocopy of that pass, and get a letter from the issuing body stating the length of time and type of back ground check carried out to get it.
Also keep copies of any utility bills with your name on it. Power, water, gas, tv, etc. These bills are to show your name and address, and those address should match the form you fill out at the YVR pass office.
They used to ask for your grandparent info, but that has stopped now. If your parents have passed away, you will also have to provide a death certificate.
Also don't forget, to rent a place you will need a job, the land lord will ask and possibly call your employer to confirm.
You will need a British Columbia drivers licence to drive on airside, so get your BC licence asap when you arrive.Not a big deal.
Best of luck in Canada. The chances of getting a job there is slim. You could always do the ski field gig until you get a job at YVR. Big white in Kelowna is owned by an Aussie firm.
I have been living and working in YVR since the mid 1990's. I'm now in Australia. Oh yeah, you might not like the wages there either. just a heads up.

[bchenery]

thanks for all the advice aintsaying

Sounds like I might be better off working in my profession then on 3 month contracts then go skiing/spotting/photographing for the next 6 months.

[aintsaying]

bchenery,
I'm not sure what you do for a living, but the majority of employers want full time employees. picking up work for 3 months then taking 6 months off, like Aussies do in the UK, is not a standard practice in Canada.
Annual leave is only 2 weeks per year, then its up to the generosity of your employer if you get any more vacation a year. Sick days depend on employer, stat holidays are around 9 or 10 a year. One of the employers I had gave us extra 3 weeks vacation per year after 15yrs service.
Not like here in aust where you get 4 weeks min right off the bat.
You might want to look up the min wage, it changes by the province.
Overall cost of living is 5% cheaper than Australia, but the wages are lower than australia.
If you want a change, you'll get it. Lots of stuff to see. its a big country. Don't worry about were you want to live, move around if you can, all provinces have lots to see and do. One place I wanted to spend more time at was New Foundland, but never managed more than 2 weeks a time there.
Best of luck.